Annual ANGRC picnic celebrates families

Photo By Master Sgt. Marvin Preston | U.S. Army Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau, and his wife Patricia (right) greets attendees during the annual ANGRC picnic at Fort Hunt Park near Alexandria, Va., July 3, 2014. The event provides an opportunity to build morale, teamwork and recognize the sacrifices and contributions of ANG families to the Total Force mission. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Marvin R. Preston/Released)
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ALEXANDRIA, VA, UNITED STATES

07.03.2014

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -Airmen and civilians assigned to the Air National Guard Readiness Center at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, gathered with their families for the annual ANGRC picnic at Fort Hunt Park here July 3.

The event was hosted by Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael R. Taheri, commander of the ANGRC, and provides an opportunity to build morale, teamwork as well as recognize the sacrifices and contributions of ANG families to the Total Force mission.

“Having this opportunity to get everyone together here is spectacular," said Taheri. “This gives your families a chance to see the great people who drive the engine of the 105,400 Air National Guardsmen out there. Being in the field and coming back to Washington, D.C. I've gained an appreciation for all the hard work everyone does all year long to make the mission happen, for the Air Force and the Air National Guard."

Attendees of all ages enjoyed activities that included a sack race, kickball, softball, volleyball, and face painting.

Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Harmony Thomas, section chief of Knowledge Operations at the ANGRC and event organizer, echoed Taheri’s thoughts on the importance of the day.

"The 4th of July is a time of remembrance and thanks to all those who created our freedoms," said Thomas. “There’s no better way to celebrate that than to celebrate together with the people who are making that happen today."

Fort Hunt Park is located near the shores of the Potomac River and was originally part of George Washington's Mount Vernon estate. The parks open fields and forests provided a great venue for ANGRC members and their families to get together for team building and morale events.